You’ve finally booked it. The flights are set, the hotel on the Strip is confirmed, and you’re ready to see the neon lights of Nevada. But then you look at your weather app. If you’re visiting today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, you might be surprised to see it’s a crisp 56°F right now. Honestly, most people imagine Las Vegas as a permanent blast furnace, but the desert has a funny way of shifting gears when you aren't looking.
Knowing what the temp in las vegas is before you pack is basically the difference between a legendary vacation and a miserable weekend spent shivering in a light t-shirt because you forgot that January actually exists.
Right now, we’re looking at a daytime high of 64°F for today. It’s mostly sunny, and the wind is barely a whisper at 1 mph from the east. But don’t let that afternoon sun fool you into thinking it stays that way. Tonight, that number is going to plummet to a low of 41°F. That’s a 23-degree swing. In the desert, the ground doesn't hold onto heat. Once the sun dips behind the Spring Mountains, the "dry heat" everyone talks about turns into a "dry chill" that catches tourists off guard every single year.
Why What the Temp in Las Vegas Matters More Than You Think
If you're planning for tomorrow, Monday, January 19, expect things to warm up slightly to 68°F under full sun. However, the wind is picking up to about 11 mph from the north. That breeze will make those high 60s feel a lot punchier.
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By the time Tuesday rolls around, we’re back down to a high of 60°F. Basically, if you are here this week, you’re in "light jacket" territory.
But why does the temperature here feel so different? Humidity. Or rather, the total lack of it. Today’s humidity is sitting at a bone-dry 22%. In a place like Florida or Houston, 64 degrees feels mild and soft. In Vegas, it feels sharp. Your skin might start to feel tight, and your nose might get that "desert itch." It's not just about the thermometer; it's about how the arid air saps the moisture right out of you.
Survival Tips for the 2026 Winter Season
- The Layering Rule: If you’re walking the Strip, you’ll be ducking in and out of casinos. These places are climate-controlled to a tee, often feeling cooler than the outside air in the afternoon. A hoodie or a denim jacket is your best friend.
- Lip Balm is Non-Negotiable: With humidity at 22%, your lips will crack before you finish your first yard-long margarita.
- Sunscreen Still Counts: The UV index today is a 1, and tomorrow it's a 2. That’s low, but the high elevation (Vegas is over 2,000 feet up) means the sun hits harder than you expect.
The Seasonal Rollercoaster
Honestly, the summer is where the numbers get truly scary. We aren't there yet, but it’s worth noting that by July, the average high hits 104°F. We’ve even seen it spike to 120°F in recent years. When people ask about what the temp in las vegas is during the "cool season" (which officially lasts from late November to late February), they are usually relieved to hear the highs stay below 66°F.
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Winter is actually the best time for the "Other Vegas"—the hiking at Red Rock Canyon or exploring Valley of Fire. You can actually move your body without feeling like you’re being slow-cooked.
If you are looking at the 10-day outlook, the trend is pretty steady. We’re seeing highs between 56°F and 63°F through the end of January. There is a tiny 10% chance of rain on Wednesday and Thursday, but "rain" in Vegas usually means three drops hit your windshield and the sky stays grey for an hour. It's nothing that should ruin your plans for the High Roller or a walk through the Fremont Street Experience.
What to Pack Right Now
- Medium-weight jacket: Necessary for anything after 5:00 PM.
- Comfortable walking shoes: You will walk more than you think. The casinos look close together; they are not.
- Heavy-duty moisturizer: Your skin will thank you.
- Sunglasses: The desert glare is real, even when it's 60 degrees.
Looking ahead to next weekend, Saturday, January 24, looks like a winner with a high of 60°F and sunny skies. It’s perfect "patio dining" weather if you can find a spot with a heat lamp. Just remember that the low will still be 44°F.
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Don't overthink the big numbers. Focus on the swings. If you're prepared for the 40s at night and the 60s during the day, you’re going to have a much better time than the guy shivering in his tank top while waiting for the Bellagio fountains to start.
Check the local forecast one last time before you head to the airport, keep that water bottle full, and enjoy the rare Vegas winter sun while it lasts.